Cheshire College graduation ceremony lights up Chester Cathedral

Cheshire College – South & West’s Higher Education students had an historic rite of passage this week, as they attended their much-anticipated graduation ceremony. 

Friends, family and lecturers gathered in Chester Cathedral to celebrate the next generation of talent in fields ranging from Engineering to Creative Media Practice, Performing Arts and Sport & Exercise Science.

Stuart Pollitt, BBC presenter and a multi award-winning documentary filmmaker, undertook the role of Compère for the ceremony, and graduates were presented with an inspiring talk from 2023 Cheshire Woman of the Year, Ije McDougall.

Among the graduates was 51-year-old Nicola Ayton, who studied Level 5 Coaching at the College. Nicola said: “It’s so rewarding to be graduating and I feel very proud; hopefully it’s also an inspirational experience for my youngest son who’s joining me today.”

“I will use coaching and the associated learning in both my professional career is a Business Development Manager in the field of Digital Health, and in my personal life too.”

Also, in attendance was 22-year-old Alexander Baldwin, a Level 5 HND General Engineering graduate. Reflecting on his time at Cheshire College, Alexander said: “I actually started studying at Cheshire College six years ago and I’ve worked my way up to doing my HND Engineering qualification.  

“The College has definitely given me great support with both the staff and resources, which allowed me to achieve the best grades possible; and I hope to provide the same support to my students as a lecturer at the College in the future.”

Many of the day’s graduates have exciting plans for their futures, including further study, starting their own businesses, and starting a new career tailored to their area of study.

Principal and CEO of Cheshire College, Jasbir Dhesi OBE, said that the students should be extremely proud of their achievements: “Over the years, Cheshire College has helped thousands of students to achieve their academic and professional goals through our Higher Education qualifications.

“Today’s graduates are a credit to Cheshire College and as they step forward into the world of work and further study, we are confident that they will bring innovation, creativity and dedication wherever they go.”